Obituary: Florence Sanden

March 26, 1919 - Dec. 20, 2007

March 26, 1919 - Dec. 20, 2007

December 22, 2007

NILES - F. "Marian" Sanden, 88, of Elderberry Road, Niles, passed away at Westwood of Niles on Thursday, December 20, 2007. Marian was born on March 26, 1919, to Robert and Freda (Ensign) Smith in Paw Paw, MI. She was one of two girls in the Smith household. March 16, 1945, Marian wed the love of her life, Glenn Sanden in Birmingham, AL. Together they had two children. After her husband's passing in the mid-1970s Marian married Jack Sanden on December 6, 1989. He passed away in April of 2002. Marian was a past, long-time member of the Benton Harbor 1st Congregational Church, where she was extremely active in every aspect of the church. She was self-disciplined and independent. After graduating High School, she moved to Chicago, IL, graduating from the University of Chicago, where she resided for 10 years. She worked with Mercy Hospital, where she volunteered with the Women's Auxiliary. She spent her summers at her home on Pipestone Lake and her winters at her condo in Panama City, FL. Together they enjoyed traveling within the states and abroad. She also enjoyed reading, especially history and autobiographies. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Glenn and husband Jack. Marian is survived by her son, Ward (Kathy) Sanden of Stevensville, MI; daughter, Gwen (Charlie) Claeys of Granger, IN; grandchildren, Wendy Morauske of St. Joseph, MI, Tammy Dollar of Berrien Springs, MI, and Ryan Sanden of Texas; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Shirley of Fort Meyers, FL. In keeping with Marian's wishes, she has been cremated and a private family graveside service will be held with Reverend Al Dwenger officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Marian's memory to Hospice at Home, Inc.; Buchanan Office located at 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Condolences may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles.